Thanks Card step by step using Derwent Watercolour Pencils - Papermilldirect DT

Hello I have a step by step for this Thanks card to share with you today. I am also testing the Derwent Watercolour Pencils, this is the first project I’ve completed with them so I have kept it simple.  As I am using a bit of water for this technique I have chosen to work with the PMD Hemp card.

Step by Step:

I like the effect of white embossing and have chosen a large stamp with lots of open spaces for this.  I’m using one of the large Double Daisy stamps (all links at the end) and have stamped onto Papermilldirect White Hemp card using a Versamark inkpad, sprinkled with white embossing powder and heat embossed.

Start to add colour using the Derwent Watercolour Pencils, I used the pencils dry to start with and applied brown colours around the centre area, then went in with a water brush (or a paintbrush) to gently blend the colours together.  Working in further colours as desired such as oranges and reds, using the water brush to gently mingle the colours. It is easy to regulate, if you add too much water, just blot with tissue, or if you’ve added too much colour just blend away with the brush. 

When you’re happy with the flower add some background colours, I’m using greens and blues and just blending them outwards.  If you want a more intense colour, then go back in with your pencils and build up more colour, the watercolours stay workable. 

Allow your image to dry, I used a blast from my heat gun to speed it up but let it dry fully before stamping the sentiment.  Stamp ‘Thanks’ using black Archival ink at bottom right of daisy.  Don’t worry if the stamping is not solid, it will pick up the texture from the Hemp card which works well with the canvas effect.

Score & fold papermilldirect card and trim down to create a card blank approx. 5 ½” square.  When the ink is dry, trim the watercolour panel down to about 4 ½ x 4 ¼” and mount onto a slightly larger piece of Papermilldirect Smooth Black card.  Mount completed panel onto card front using 3D foam pads to give height.

Verdict: I haven't used watercolours often so I am quite impressed that these Derwent pencils allowed me to feel like an ‘artist’, the colours are well chosen within the 12 pack I’m using, and they are so easy to blend that creating your own shades is easy.  I found using the pencils dry and then water brushing to release and blend the colours was a simple way to achieve a good result.  For adding lighter colours or more precise application, I used the tip of my water brush directly onto the pencil tip to collect colour.  These pencils are very good value, you don’t need much to add good colour and so they will last a long time.

I do hope you’ll pop by to see the next project I will be posting soon with the watercolour pencils

Angela x

Materials Used:
Derwent Watercolour Pencils (12) - Papermilldirect
White Hemp Card 255gsm - Papermilldirect
Black Smooth Card 250gsm - Papermilldirect
Double Daisy Stamp Set – Oak House Studio
Versamark / Embossing ink pad
White embossing powder
Jet Black - Archival ink pad – Ranger
Thanks clear stamp – DCSTP077 – Dovecraft
Adhesives: D/S tape, 3D foam pads